Ross banned until grand final day

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Penrith coach John Lang last night refused to rule out an appeal after prop Ben Ross was suspended until the grand final - if the Panthers make it.

Ross, who pleaded not guilty to two charges, received a ban of nine matches - six for a grade-three dangerous throw and three for striking. "I think it is too harsh because I feel that Benny is a victim of circumstances in that lifting one, and I felt that, looking at the video, he didn't come into contact with [Ian Hindmarsh's] chin with his elbow or forearm," Lang said. "Benny has never had a reputation as an aggressive or dirty player."